Overview & Reviews

Toyota is a Japanese brand whose refined, well-designed vehicles have earned it a great deal of popularity. Toyotas also have a superb record for reliability and durability, which goes a long way toward justifying their typically high purchase prices. For buyers who plan on owning their new vehicles for a long time, the Toyota marque is a very compelling choice.

The automaker's name is a variation of the surname of its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. After years of research, Toyoda unveiled his first prototype, the A1, in 1935, marking the birth of the Toyota Motor Corporation. The '40s witnessed the launch of additional passenger cars and even a pickup. By the end of the decade, the automaker had produced more than 100,000 vehicles.

Toyota grew bigger in the '50s and expanded its roster with a slew of new small cars. The company also unveiled the utilitarian BJ truck; this vehicle was the precursor to the Land Cruiser. By the end of the decade, Toyota had commenced exports to the U.S. with the establishment of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. The first Toyota to be sold on American shores was the Crown; it held the distinction of being the first Japanese car to be sold Stateside.

The '60s witnessed even more growth for the emerging juggernaut. Toyota introduced the Corolla, an immensely popular model that is still in production today. Vehicles like the home-market Publica, the 2000GT, Hiace and Miniace were also launched. The decade closed with Toyota reporting annual domestic sales of 1 million units; cumulative exports also reached 1 million.

Japanese-market cars like the Carina, Light Ace and Publica Starlet were launched during the 1970s. In the States, the Corolla grew in popularity and the Corona and Mk II models debuted as well. The successful Celica sports coupe was also rolled out and would remain in production for more than 30 years. Toyota's shadow had spread far beyond Japan by this point. The decade's oil crisis had made the manufacturer's compact, fuel-efficient models more popular than ever in the United States. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker had exported more than 10 million vehicles.

Toyota expanded its presence in the U.S. market during the '80s, with the introduction of popular models like the 4Runner SUV and the MR2 sports car. The true high point of these years, though, was the birth of the Toyota Camry sedan. Originally known as the Celica Camry in Japan, the car went on to be a hit of phenomenal proportions, earning kudos as America's best-selling car of the year time and time again.

During the '90s, Toyota rolled out the Avalon full-size sedan and expanded its selection of SUVs with the compact RAV4. By the end of the decade, more than 100 million Toyota vehicles had been produced in Japan. The company also proved itself on the cutting edge of new technology with the rollout of the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The car debuted in Japan in 1997; by 2001, the fuel-sipping sedan had made its way to American highways. Despite the presence of a growing number of competitors in its segment, the Prius continues to boast class-leading sales.

Toyota's current lineup is relatively extensive, including minivans, cars, trucks and SUVs. The brand remains extremely popular among savvy consumers who place a high value on quality and dependability.

User Reviews:

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  Echo review - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By caraone - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Its a great little car. Maneuverable, nice ride, awesome gas mileage, roomy interior.

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  BEST VALUE - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By MarlinSD - April 2 - 10:00 am

  The Celica GT is clearly the best value of sport coupes. Great sporty look from the front. Looks like the over 30k cars. Gas mileage is excellent. Somewhat limited rear view but not too bad. Very acceptable amount of trunk space. If you expect really quick pick up of the line then get the 180hp GT-S otherwise the 140hp engine is fine. Cruise control well designed and a quite enjoyable feature. Back seats sit low. Got a fleet price through Edmunds.

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  So Far Very Good - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By bioedwards - April 2 - 10:00 am

  The Solara and the dealer have been the best I have experienced in a long time. The car has had no problems and has performed as expected. The only thing that I could complain about is the quality of the paint and the interior carpet. Both seem to be the cheapest possible.

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  Just one thing missing! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By SequoiaNut - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I think we all should keep a hush hush about the sequoia, because I am afraid that like all things when more people know about it, they will spoil it. Sshh Dont tell them how good it is, you know "Supply and Demand". Sshh

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  good, smooth suv - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By kim10 - April 2 - 10:00 am

  no problem after 1 year. good drive on ice and snow

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  Surprising vehicle! - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Trish - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive always been a Honda driver. But after getting into this compact truck and driving it around, I was totally surprised! Its smooth, doesnt have a bulky "truck" feeling to it and its so easy to manuever in and out of traffic. The seats are a little stiff but I really like the tilt steering wheel option. Ive only accrued 200 miles on it so far, but I cant wait to test it on longer, highway trips! Working with the dealership was another surprising experience! Great guys!

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  Simply the Best - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Bags - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive been looking at purchasing a SUV to replace our family van for the last year. I have test drove and rented most of them to my disappointment. Poor handling, shoddy workmanship, lousy fuel mileage etc. But after trying in vain to purchase a Honda Pilot I came across the Highlander. The best move I have ever made was to test drive and go with the FWD 6 clylinder. Great looks, great gas mileage,handles like a dream and a nice sun roof. Who could ask for anything more.

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  Owning one - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Airpro2001 - April 2 - 2:20 am

  I really love driving my new prius for many reasons, the head room is great for us tall people. The acceleration is fast and I particularly like passing up all the gas stations! I would buy another one in a heartbeat.

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  Great Truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By jth0323 - April 1 - 5:36 pm

  Very nice truck. I tow an 18 foot boat through the Colorado mountains, without trouble. Always get prase from others about the truck. The Toyota service has been good. I really like this truck

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  Matrix XR - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Tom - April 1 - 2:00 pm

  Bought Matrix XR in a 5-speed, which is an absolute must. This is not a fast car even with a manual; I can imagine how slow an automatic would be. But with gas over $3, horsepower is highly overrated. I didnt get the option for ABS, but wish I would have. The standard, stock brakes are average at best and dont leave me feeling too confident in them. Stopping distance seems really long. I really enjoy the way it drives. Its very roomy inside. Im about 62" and I feel very comfortable in the car. Tons of room in the back. Plenty of headroom for backseat passengers. Plus, it looks cool. I would definitely get the XR with the cooler looking bodykit over the base model.